Every year I seem to have a stand-out favorite Christmas project. This year I'd have to pick this amazing heirloom Christmas gift transformation. Aaron Shipley contacted me back in September about his Great-Great-Grandmother's Lincoln rocker he wanted to bring back to life and give to his son and daughter-in-law for Christmas. Aaron sent photos along the way of the chair's transformation before it was brought in to be caned- the finishing touch.

The caning had been upholstered over on the back and a wood panel nailed over the seat.

Old caning remnants found under the seat and back.

"The back side cane supports need some work so I removed them. They still had the square nails in them."

Structural repairs being made to the back.

Old finish stripped and some re-gluing being done.

Rocker stained and ready for caning!

Both the seat and the back got brand new hand caning.

"I wanted to send a note to point out how thrilled we are with the cane work. The finished rocker exceeded our expectations and we're ecstatic. I'd like to think my g-g-grandmother is smiling."

Always good to hear!

Before

After

Quite a transformation- I hope many more generations will get to use and enjoy this heirloom rocker!

Have a heirloom piece you'd like to bring back to life? Have questions about how to do it? I'd love to hear from you- images and questions can be sent to: emzaschaircaning@gmail.com